MENU

Sections

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Editors and Writers
    • Join our Mailing List
    • Letters to Editor Policy
    • Advertising & Underwriting
    • Code of Ethics
    • Privacy
    • Talbot Spy Terms of Use
  • Art and Design
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
    • Senior Life
  • Community Opinion
  • Sign up for Free Subscription
  • Donate to the Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy

More

  • Support the Spy
  • About Spy Community Media
  • Advertising with the Spy
  • Subscribe
July 14, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Editors and Writers
    • Join our Mailing List
    • Letters to Editor Policy
    • Advertising & Underwriting
    • Code of Ethics
    • Privacy
    • Talbot Spy Terms of Use
  • Art and Design
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
    • Senior Life
  • Community Opinion
  • Sign up for Free Subscription
  • Donate to the Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy
2 News Homepage

Easton Mayor Discusses Economic Development Funding

October 7, 2020 by John Griep

Easton officials say the decision to have the town’s economic development funds funnel through one organization has been in process for months.

For years, the town has provided funds to both the Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) and Discover Easton/Easton Business Alliance. Easton’s funding for economic development comes from the accommodations tax paid by guests at hotels and similar businesses. Accommodations tax revenue must be spent on economic development or tourism.

Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey sent a letter Sept. 28 to the board of Discover Easton informing the nonprofit organization that economic development funds would flow through the EEDC.

Willey said Tuesday that the town was not cutting funds to Discover Easton, but funding for any projects for Discover Easton or the EEDC would be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The mayor noted that the town’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget, approved in May, included a line item for economic development funding without designating funds specifically for either organization.

The town allocated $480,750 for economic development for this fiscal year, which began July 1.

“It was talked about for years that we would fund economic development from one particular account,” Willey said Tuesday. “That was put into place this current fiscal year where economic development is listed as one line item; it’s not for EEDC, it’s not EBA (Discover Easton), it’s economic development and that’s how it’s been done this year.

“It was also decided effective Sept. 30 or Oct. 1 — same days really — that we would no longer fund both as separate entities but everything would be funneled through one account and that would be monitored by EEDC,” the mayor said. “The funding wasn’t cut off, it was put into one account and then to get access to that money we had to have the plans for it and know what it was going to be used for.”

“When the uproar started that we had cut off funding, we really didn’t cut off funding, it’s all still there in the account but now we’re requiring more scrutiny over how that’s being used and to make sure we have the proper records to back it up and then the financial records to show how it was being spent,” Willey said.

The mayor said the budget is being monitored by two people from EEDC and two from Discover Easton. Requests for funds for a particular project would be sent to Town Manager Don Richardson, who would approve the funds.

“We didn’t fire anybody, … nobody lost their job, the funding wasn’t taken away, it was all brought back into one account and the process for how that account was being accessed was put into place,” Willey said.

He said the town was looking for greater cooperation and communication between the two organizations and also wanted more say on how the money was being spent.

“(W)e expect that in the long run that the business community will work better. Not that it wasn’t working well in the past but this way everybody gets a chance to work with everybody,” Willey said. “We’ll see what’s happening and between the funding and the communication with the council it’s got to be improvements. And we think there’s some synergies to be gained with both of them working together on various projects.

This video is approximately six minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage Tagged With: Discover Easton, Easton, Economic Development, EEDC, mayor willey

Easton Mayor Cuts Funding to Discover Easton

October 5, 2020 by John Griep

Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey has cut off town funding for Discover Easton.

The non-profit organization, formerly known as the Easton Business Alliance, provides marketing, promotions and event services for Easton and its businesses and organizations. It has received funding from the town for some years.

Discover Easton also gets funding from member businesses and fundraising activities.

In his Sept. 28 letter to the board of Discover Easton, Willey said the money slated for Discover Easton would instead go to the Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC).

The town has split its economic development funding between the two organizations for several years. The money comes from the accommodations tax paid by guests at hotels and similar establishments; that tax revenue is required to be spent on tourism or economic development.

Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey

The only explanation the mayor gave in the letter is that the town believes its economic development funding “will be leveraged better” by going entirely through the EEDC.

Willey’s decision comes just three months after the start of the town’s fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The town council unanimously approved the $23.376 million budget, which included $480,750 for economic development, in mid-May.

Discover Easton recently drew some opposition for its proposed pedestrian promenade on Washington Street in front of the county courthouse.

The town council initially approved the street closure, then rescinded approval after opposition. The town later approved the closure of parking spaces along one side of Washington Street to allow for outside dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover Easton describes itself as “a marketing, promotions and events nonprofit in Easton, Maryland. The mission of EBA is to enhance, preserve and promote the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles. EBA is a nonprofit operating under the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The organizational funding is provided by the Town of Easton; additional funding is provided by membership dues and through fundraising events.”

While Discover Easton has focused on marketing, promotions, and events, the EEDC has worked on business creation and retention.

According to its website, the “Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works toward managing Easton’s continued growth as a diverse and healthy ‘smart town,’ leading innovation where the land and water meet.”

Letter from Mayor Willey

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage Tagged With: Discover Easton, Easton, easton economic development corporation, Economic Development, funding, mayor robert willey

Discover Easton Announces Scarecrow Decorating Contest

September 25, 2020 by Discover Easton

A friendly challenge to Easton businesses and community organizations has been issued: Who can build the most creative scarecrow display?

Discover Easton has announced the inaugural Scarecrow Decorating Contest for October 2 – November 15. The event challenges local businesses to build a creative, fall-themed scarecrow and display it at their location. Folks can then stroll Easton to discover the whimsical displays, share pictures on social media, and vote online for a chance to win prizes.

“It will be fun seeing the scarecrows adorning our local businesses,” Discover Easton Marketing & Events Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get people out of their homes to explore our lovely town during one of our favorite seasons.”

Scarecrows will begin popping up in Easton during First Friday on October 2. An online map of all locations where scarecrows are on display can be found at discovereaston.com/scarecrow. Those seeking photo-ops can plot their walking courses and participate by voting online for their favorite display. Scarecrows will be decorated around Easton and continuously added to the online map up to November 15.

Anybody that takes pictures of the Easton scarecrows and posts them on Facebook or Instagram with #EastonMDScarecrows is automatically entered for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Hunters’ Tavern at the Tidewater Inn. Vote online at discovereaston.com/scarecrow to help pick the winning Easton scarecrow decoration. In addition, one voter will be selected to win a one night’s stay at the historic Tidewater Inn in downtown Easton.

“We know voters will have fun finding the scarecrows and will take great pictures to share online,” Lankford said. “We also hope that everyone takes a moment to stop into our local businesses during their fall strolls and support them by shopping small and buying local as we approach the holiday season.”

Organizations that wish to participate still have time to register. Visit discovereaston.com/scarecrow-contest to complete the free entry form to be added to the competition and online map.

About Discover Easton: Discover Easton is a marketing, promotion and events non-profit organization operating as a member of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The mission of Discover Easton is to enhance, promote, and preserve the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles.

For more information regarding Discover Easton and its events, please visit www.discovereaston.com or email [email protected]. Stay connected to Discover Easton on social media: @discovereaston.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 5 News Notes Tagged With: Discover Easton, local news, The Talbot Spy

Discover Easton Awarded Grant from Talbot County Arts Council

August 27, 2020 by Discover Easton

Discover Easton was recently awarded $8,000 from the Talbot County Arts Council to help expand the annual First Night Talbot New Year’s celebration and the Easton Arts District Culture Crossing event.

“We feel so fortunate to receive this funding from our friends at the Talbot County Arts Council,” Discover Easton Executive Director Ross Benincasa said. “During these odd times when most of our work and grant requests have pivoted toward pandemic relief, it’s a wonderful reprieve to be able to start thinking about events again in our downtown district.”

Culture Crossing 2019 (Credit: Shane Moore)

First Night Talbot, Easton’s annual family-focused New Year’s celebration, is entering its 27th year, and is preparing to bring in 2021 like never before. Discover Easton is diligently planning for the event to continue, and hopeful for some in-person elements, with an understanding that much of the event may take place virtually this year. The funding from the Talbot County Arts Council will be utilized to bring in performers that appeal to larger demographics of children and families, meeting one of Discover Easton’s core goals of showcasing events that are accessible to wider ranges of families and age groups.

The Easton Arts District Culture Crossing, a summer arts celebration that will take place on the Easton Rails-to-Trails, had a successful first year in 2019 before being derailed this past summer due to the pandemic. The funding from the Talbot County Arts Council will allow the event to bring in performers from around the greater Easton area in 2021 to support the celebration of Easton’s multicultural arts community.

First Night Talbot 2020 (Credit: Ted Mueller Photography)

“Missing the Culture Crossing this past year was really difficult, especially given the successes it saw in 2019,” Benincasa said. “Our team is really passionate about this project, given some of the underrepresentation of young and minority artists around the Eastern Shore. We’re so pleased to receive this funding so we can go back to our partners and begin to plan out the events for 2021 that can bring these artists and our Easton families together.”

The Easton Arts District Culture Crossing is expected to return to the Rails-to-Trails during the spring of 2021.

About Discover Easton: Discover Easton is a marketing, promotion and events non-profit organization operating as a member of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The mission of Discover Easton is to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles.

For more information regarding Discover Easton and its events, please visit www.discovereaston.com or email [email protected]. Stay connected to Discover Easton on social media: @discovereaston.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: commerce, Discover Easton, local news, The Talbot Spy

Easton to Continue Weekend Parking Closures for Washington Street Restaurants

July 21, 2020 by John Griep

Parking spaces in front of three Washington Street restaurants will be closed the next two weekends as Easton awaits other proposals to help downtown businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The town council voted unanimously Monday night to continue the “experiment” of closing off 10 parallel parking spaces along Washington Street. With the spaces closed this past weekend, the Washington Street Pub, Doc’s Downtown Grille and Scossa Restaurant & Lounge offered additional outside dining and saw increased business.

Easton officials would like to see one change — if handicapped accessibility allows: Use the blocked off parking spaces for pedestrian traffic with the extra outside tables on the sidewalk, not the parking spaces.

As the town continues with the weekend closures, downtown business and property owners will meet Thursday morning to discuss strategies for increasing business during the pandemic.

The closures have already given a bump to the three restaurants, Ross Benincasa, executive director of Discover Easton, said Monday.

Compared to the prior weekend, the Pub reported a 130% increase on Friday, 115% on Saturday, and 75% on Sunday, he said.

The numbers were smaller for Scossa and Doc’s, Benincasa said, noting the Pub normally does not have any outside dining.

Scossa saw a 35% increase in table “turns” on Friday compared to the prior weekend and a 20% increase on Saturday, but had a small decrease on Sunday, he said. However, the restaurant did not use the additional outside dining space on Sunday.

Doc’s reported about 40% more business between Friday and Sunday compared to the previous weekend, Benincasa said. Business there also had increased when Washington Street was entirely closed to traffic between Monday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 8.

That closure stemmed from the town’s earlier plan to shut down the street to create a pedestrian promenade on Washington Street beginning Thursday, July 9. During a special July 8 meeting to address concerns about the street closure, town council members voted to halt the promenade idea.

The council later approved the closure of the parking spaces during a Tuesday, July 14, special meeting.

Benincasa, during Monday night’s meeting, said Discover Easton acknowledged communications issues related to the promenade plan.

Asked by newly appointed Councilman Rev. Elmer Neal Davis Jr. to explain, Benincasa cited three issues:

• the organization focused on speaking with restaurateurs and retailers about the plan and should have included service businesses as well;

• not all businesses were made aware of changes in the plan before the public meeting and initial approval; and

• businesses within a larger geographic zone, particularly Harrison Street, should have been included in the initial discussions.

“There was certainly a haste to this plan” in an effort to aid downtown businesses affected by pandemic closures and restrictions, Benincasa said.

Officials heard concerns from two people about safety, he said. One was from a downtown business owner who thought the initial full street closure was safer; the other was from an outside diner who felt the dining tables in the parking spaces put people “very close” to traffic.

Benincasa suggested the town modify last weekend’s setup to direct pedestrians into the parking spaces, which is the method Rehoboth has adopted for its expanded outside dining.

During Monday night’s meeting, Ward 2 Councilman Don Abbatiello initially proposed that the town continue the closure of the parking spaces from this Friday through Monday, Aug. 3, when the council next meets.

That suggestion drew opposition from Ward 1 Councilman Alan Silverstein and Davis.

Silverstein noted that the parking spaces were in use during the day Monday, while Davis said he needed to hear additional information.

“I’m more concerned about safety,” Davis said. “It’s only going to take one incident and all that will be shut down.”

Abbatiello withdrew his motion and Silverstein proposed closing the parking spaces the next two weekends, with pedestrians using the parking spaces as long as there is no accessibility issue.

His motion was approved 5-0.

During public comments, Paul Prager — who owns significant sections of downtown Easton and operates several restaurants — said his businesses and building tenants have about 150 employees working downtown and he currently has about 52 contractors working on many projects in his buildings.

He said he also had tried to get other businesses to move downtown, but parking was a major concern for those owners.

Closing the street for the promenade concept eliminated more than 20 parking spaces on Washington Street, which would have been detrimental to downtown businesses, Prager said, largely reading from a prepared statement.

“The Promenade makes no sense,” he wrote. “It should have been dead on arrival, given our town’s construct, architecture, traffic, parking and this horrible pandemic.”

Prager also took aim at Council President Megan Cook and others who he felt had targeted his businesses after he opposed the promenade.

Read his complete written statement below:

Bluepoint LTR to Easton Town Council 7-20-20

Four other people also spoke on the issue, including two with no business interests downtown.

Scott Eglseder said numerous cities had adopted concepts similar to the initial promenade.

He suggested an expanded closure beyond just the one block of Washington Street, with streets closed after 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and completely closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Noah Matten said the coronavirus threat will not be abated within the next 12 months and suggested more permanent barricades for any street closures.

“The idea of changing traffic patterns consistently increases risk for a pedestrian strike,” he said. Traffic studies show the greatest risk for pedestrian strikes occurs in the first few days after a change in traffic patterns.

Matten suggested the town close the northbound lane of Washington Street and urged Easton to ensure appropriate traffic barriers are used.

He said the rented barricades met town standards, but fencing borrowed from the Easton Police Department to complete the blocking off of the 10 parking spaces did not.

Steven Mangasarian, who owns restaurants downtown, said he had been dismayed by the tone of rhetoric surrounding the issue and suggested the animus against Prager was more personal and not related to his opposition to the Washington Street Promenade.

“I’m opening myself up to it also because unless it’s absolutely personal against Mr. Prager I too am opposing the Washington Street closure,” he said. “I own restaurants downtown, if somebody wants to boycott me, so be it. So we’ll do an experiment, it is just personal or is it just because I oppose that?”

He also noted that this past weekend had been a modified Plein Air weekend, which drew additional customers.

“There were a lot of extra people in town,” Mangasarian said. “Banning’s felt it, Breakfast in Easton felt it, so we all were lifted a little bit.”

He said he had not heard any good argument for how the street closure would help businesses, particularly restaurants, noting he had owned and operated restaurants in downtown Easton longer than all but one other restaurateur.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business 45 years,” Mangasarian said. “I’ve owned 10 restaurants, all of them successful — nobody really asked me what I thought about all this.”

“Do I think seating is a problem? I really don’t. Do we need more tables? No, not really. Granted people are seating outside, but is that at the expense of seating inside?

“We feel at Banning’s people just don’t want to seat inside, they’d rather sit outside,” Mangasarian said. “Whether it’s fear of the virus or whatever, they do want to seat outside. Is outside seating a good idea? Sure. But is closing Washington Street the solution?”

He said there are 27 parking spaces in the block of Washington Street in front of the courthouse and closing those spaces would make it difficult for customers to find parking.

Promenades “have been undeniably successful” in some places, Mangasarian said. “It’s been tried elsewhere and it’s failed.”

He said the successful ones had vibrant downtowns, nearby customers, well-planned parking and traffic, an anchor, and retail stores and restaurants.

Mangasarian also said there were longtime issues in downtown Easton, including parking and a reluctance among retailers to open on Sundays and later into the evening.

Those issues have been discussed for decades and nothing has happened, he said.

“Let’s take the time to plan it right and not just come up with semi-permanent solutions,” Mangasarian said.

The ugly reality of restaurants is that the businesses live and die on cash flow, he said. The best way to help restaurants as a result of the pandemic would be financially, whether through tax breaks or other measures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage Tagged With: businesses, Discover Easton, downtown, Easton, parking, promenade, restaurants

Easton Halts Plan to Close Block of Washington Street

July 9, 2020 by Spy Desk

The Easton town council has nixed the Washington Street Promenade, the planned closure of Washington between Dover and Federal streets in front of the courthouse.

The decision came during a special Wednesday afternoon meeting, a day before the planned July 9 launch.

The idea had been to close the block of Washington Street to create a pedestrian mall and to allow for concerts and other events.

In a June 16 Facebook Post, Discover Easton wrote: “A space for people. The Washington Street Promenade will be Easton’s first real test of a car-free zone, featuring outdoor dining, performances, open-air markets, and more. Look for more details coming soon.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Discover Easton posted: “Unfortunately, the Washington Street Promenade was canceled today by the Easton Town Council. Washington Street will be reopened tomorrow (Thursday) morning without the project ever being able to start.”

To listen to the Wednesday afternoon meeting, go to www.eastonmd.gov. For the MP3 recording, go to  www.eastonmd.gov/TempMedia/WashingtonStreetPromenadeWorkshop070820.mp3.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage Tagged With: council, Discover Easton, Easton, promenade, washington street

Discover Easton Launches Programs to Support Easton’s Small Businesses

March 21, 2020 by Discover Easton

Although Easton’s small business community has been hit hard by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many businesses are changing their routines or incorporating new ways of serving customers during these unprecedented times. As part of this effort to connect customers with the small businesses that need them most, Discover Easton is pleased to roll out its Local Business Gift Card program, an easy-to-use online portal where visitors can purchase gift cards or certificates to their favorite locally-owned businesses while practicing social distancing.

“Although this is uncharted territory for everyone involved, we felt the need to act quickly to support our small businesses,” Discover Easton Executive Director Ross Benincasa said. “But what has really stood out to us has been the support from the greater Easton community. We already have gift card orders coming in from other states, and are nearing $2,000 in purchases after just 72 hours.”

In addition to offering the gift cards for locally-owned businesses, Discover Easton is also absorbing all credit card fees and delivery costs to customers that purchase the gift cards. This means all money spent through the portal goes directly to the small business in need.

To help patrons find food from our local restaurants, Discover Easton has created a list of Easton restaurants offering carry-out service for the foreseeable future.

“These are difficult and uncertain times, but it’s been heartwarming to see that our town is determined to face the challenges together.” Discover Easton Marketing and Events Coordinator Jeff Lankford said.  “We are going to work hard every week to find new ways to offer our support to the entire Easton community.”

Talbot County has convened an Operational Working Group made up of officials from the Talbot County Health Department, Talbot County Emergency Services, Talbot County Government, Talbot County’s towns, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, law enforcement agencies, and many other community partners including Discover Easton. This group is monitoring this evolving situation closely and will release information each week day to share any updates affecting the citizens of Talbot County.

For more information and ways to support Easton businesses, visit www.discovereaston.com. Follow Discover Easton on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @discovereaston.

About Discover Easton: Discover Easton is a marketing, promotion and events non-profit organization operating as a member of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.  The mission of Discover Easton is to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: Discover Easton, local news, The Talbot Spy

Spy Moment: Fire and Ice Catches on in Easton

February 15, 2020 by The Spy

Like any new project, Discover Easton’s new Fire and Ice Festival, which kicked off on Friday night, faced a few challenges.

The first, of course, was the weather. With twenty-five ice sculptures on display, and with what will turn out to be one of the mildest winters on record, events planners needed the assistance of the weather gods to ensure everything didn’t melt.
The second, if the weather was cold, was whether or not families would be willing to go out on a cold night to participate.

Luckily, for Discover Easton and the entire community, both of these possible roadblocks were eliminated as hundreds took the street for the first Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival, sponsored by the Preston Automotive Group.

And the Spy was there to take in a little of the fun.

This video is approximately three minutes in length

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 9 Brevities Tagged With: Discover Easton, Fire and Ice Festival

Copyright © 2025

Affiliated News

  • The Chestertown Spy
  • The Talbot Spy

Sections

  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Ecosystem
  • Education
  • Mid-Shore Health
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Shore Recovery
  • Spy Senior Nation

Spy Community Media

  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising & Underwriting

Copyright © 2025 · Spy Community Media Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in